Global Daily round-up (17-01-2012)

January 18, 2012

Equity markets on Wall Street were closed yesterday for a holiday but US equity futures point towards the S&P 500 opening later with a 1.1% rise.

Overnight, Asian shares were buoyed by news out of China that showed the world’s second-largest economy grew by 8.9% in the fourth quarter of 2011. Although this was the slowest rate of growth in more than two years, which raised hopes for further monetary easing, it also indicated the country may be heading for a ‘soft economic landing’. A number of supportive measures for investors were also announced in Beijing. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 Index closed up 1.1% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose sharply to finish up 3.2%. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar rose against most of the major currencies on the hope that China’s strong appetite for resources will continue.

UK and European equity markets opened in positive territory this morning, with the FTSE 100 and DJ Euro Stoxx 50 up 0.9% and 1.4% respectively at the time of writing, benefiting from an up-tick in risk appetite. Data released today shows UK consumer price inflation fell to 4.2% in December from 4.8% in November.

Source: Henderson Global Investors

Henderson Global Investors is the name under which Henderson Global Investors Limited (reg. no. 906355), incorporated and registered in England and Wales with registered office at 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE and authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Services Authority) provide investment products and services.

The Henderson Horizon Fund (the Fund) is a Luxembourg SICAV incorporated on 30 May 1985 and regulated by the Luxembourg Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

Atlas JMFS Investments Services Limited (Atlas JMFS) is the Representative in Malta of Henderson Global Investors. Henderson Horizon Fund is authorised to be marketed in Malta in line with the UCITS Directive. Atlas JMFS Investments Services Limited (IS30176), 67 Level 3 South Street, Valletta, Malta is licensed to conduct investment services business by the MFSA, Notabile Road, Attard BKR3000, Malta, and is a member firm of the Malta Stock Exchange, Garrison Chapel, Castile Place, Valletta VLT1063, Malta.

The sub-funds of the Henderson Horizon Funds which have been authorised to be marketed in Malta are eight equity funds and one bond fund.

Investors should remember that the value of investments and any income derived can go down as well as up and past performance is no guarantee to future performance. Any investment decision must be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus, which is available on request from Henderson Global Investors and may be obtained from the local representative Atlas JMFS.